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Pain - How can you tell if your dog is in pain?

Dogs feel pain for many of the same reasons as humans: dental problems, infections, arthritis, disease and cancer as well as discomfort after surgical procedures. There are certain signs and changes in behaviour that can indicate when a dog is suffering. As a dog owner, you are in the best position to notice those often subtle changes. The sooner your dog's pain is diagnosed and treated, the sooner he or she can heal and resume a normal, happy life.

Here are just some of the behaviours or changes your dog may exhibit if they are in pain. If you suspect your dog is sore or uncomfortable please notify your veterinarian immediately.

Vocalising

Whimpering

Yelping

Groaning

Grunting

Whining

Howling

Daily Habits

Decreased appetite

Withdraws from social interaction

Changes in sleeping patterns

Changes in drinking habits

Housetraining habits change (accidents)

Self-Mutilation

Licking

Biting

Excessive scratching of a particular part of their body

Activity level

Restless (or stands up and lies down repetitively)

Reluctant to move and tends to lie very still

Difficulty getting up from a resting position

Trembling or circling

Seeks more affection than usual

Pants excessively when at rest

Facial Expression

Vacant stare

Glazed or wide-eyed

Appears sleepy

Enlarged pupils

Flattened ears

Grooming

Coat lacks normal shine

Hair stands up in places

Self Protection

Hiding

Protects a body part

Doesn’t put weight on a limb or limping

Doesn’t want to be held or picked up

Aggression

Acts out of character

Aggressive tendency when normally a friendly dog

Quite docile dog when normally hostile

Growls, bites

Posture

Hunched, with hindquarters raised and front end down on the ground

Lays on their side

Anything unusual (eg. sits with one leg out to the side)

Treating pain

Please do not try and treat pain yourself. Many forms of human pain relief can be dangerous to dogs if given in the wrong dosage. Pain occurs for many different reasons and this means there are many types of treatment depending on the diagnosis. Your veterinarian is in the best position to recommend a dignostic plan and treatment so your pet can remain as comfortable as possible.